The Deaf Bride Isn't Deaf?

"Miss Hudson, we have prepared a corpse identical to you, just as you requested. It will be delivered to your wedding with Mr. Warhol in ten days." Hearing the voice on the other end of the line, Violet Hudson felt a small knot of tension unwind inside her. "Alright. Thank you." "You're welcome. This is our job. Please rest assured—no one will ever suspect a thing." With that guarantee, she exhaled, the weight on her chest easing just a little. After confirming the final details once more, she ended the call and pushed open the door to the private room. The noise inside had been a constant hum, a mix of voices overlapping, but the moment she stepped in, silence fell like a curtain. Chapter 1 "Miss Hudson, we have prepared a corpse identical to you, just as you requested. It will be delivered to your wedding with Mr. Warhol in ten days." Hearing the voice on the other end of the line, Violet Hudson felt a small knot of tension unwind inside her. "Alright. Thank you." "You're welcome. This is our job. Please rest assured—no one will ever suspect a thing." With that guarantee, she exhaled, the weight on her chest easing just a little. After confirming the final details once more, she ended the call and pushed open the door to the private room. The noise inside had been a constant hum, a mix of voices overlapping, but the moment she stepped in, silence fell like a curtain. Grayson Warhol, seated at the center, stood up at once. Taking her hand, he looked at her with deep concern and signed, "Violet, you were in the restroom for so long. Are you feeling unwell? Let's go home now." He moved to lead her away. Looking at the way his eyes held nothing but her, Violet suppressed the bitterness rising in her chest and shook her head. "I'm fine. Just continue." Only after she reassured him several times did Grayson sit back down, still holding her hand. The lively chatter returned, filling the space again. Then, a voice cut through the noise. "Grayson, you're getting married soon. What do you plan to do about that little assistant of yours?" At those words, Violet's nails dug into her palm. Her face turned a shade paler. Someone beside the speaker nudged him with an elbow. "Hey, mind what you say. Violet is right here." The man shrugged, unconcerned. "What does it matter? She can't hear us anyway. I was just curious how Grayson plans to handle his little lover." All eyes turned to Grayson. He picked up a shrimp, peeled it with deliberate care, and placed it into Violet's bowl before speaking. "I'll keep her. She's just a pet to pass the time. The only one I love is Violet. But Violet would leave me if she ever found out, so I hide it well. Even after marriage, she'll never know." His gaze swept the room, sharp and commanding. "And you all should mind your own business. If anyone dares to spill this to Violet, don't blame me for what happens next." A few people chuckled. They were used to the ways of the wealthy. A wife at home, a mistress outside—it was nothing new. "Man, Grayson, that's tough. My wife has known about my affairs for ages." "You think Grayson is like you? This is real love, okay?" Laughter rippled through the group. Then, someone's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Grayson, since Violet can't hear, have you and your assistant ever... done it at home?" The sentence left room for endless imagination. Grayson smiled, rolling the engagement ring on his finger, then answered lazily, "Of course. It's… thrilling." The room erupted in cheers. Applause, laughter, whistles. "Jesus, Grayson, you're the real deal!" "I bet you've done it all over the house. I'm jealous!" "Guess marriage won't stop you and your assistant from having fun." The compliments kept coming. No one noticed how tightly Violet was clenching her fists, how her knuckles had turned white. No one knew that she had regained her hearing long ago. No one knew that she had already decided to leave, that she would never marry Grayson. On the wedding day, all that would be left for him was a lifeless body, identical to hers. From the corner of his eye, Grayson noticed she hadn't touched the shrimp in her bowl. He quickly signed, "Violet, why aren't you eating?" Violet looked at the man whose eyes were filled with concern and forced a smile. "What were you all talking about just now?" Grayson chuckled, pressing a soft kiss onto the back of her hand. "They were praising our love, saying we'll be the happiest couple in the world." As he finished, he signed "I love you." Around them, the others exchanged glances, amusement flickering in their eyes. Violet saw it all. Her heart felt like it had been plunged into ice water. They had just been discussing his mistress, yet he twisted it into a tale of love. 'Grayson… I never knew you were such a perfect liar.' Chapter 2 Violet set her fork down and rose from her seat. She didn't want to hear any more of these empty, well-practiced lies. Seeing her about to leave, Grayson immediately stood as well, his hands forming quick, fluid gestures. "What's wrong?" She shook her head. "I'm tired. I want to go home and rest." Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked straight out of the private room. Out on the street, she lifted her head and saw the massive electronic screen on the office building across from her. A video played on a loop. A familiar set of words glowed against the backdrop: Violet Hudson, Marry Me! Pedestrians passing by stopped to look, their voices filled with admiration. "My goodness, I heard Grayson Warhol's girlfriend is deaf, so when he proposed, he booked the tallest office building in the city and had 'Marry Me' displayed on the screen, just so she could see it clearly. And after she said yes, he kept the proposal video playing for an entire month so that the whole city could celebrate their love." "He must love her so much. He'll definitely be a good husband." Violet let out a breathless chuckle. It was the kind of laugh that never quite reached the eyes. A week ago, she might have reacted just like those passersby. She had believed in Grayson's love without question, convinced he would be a devoted husband. She had grown up in an orphanage. At nine years old, a high fever, left untreated for too long, had stolen her hearing. After that, she became an easy target—bullied, mocked, always set apart. The days blurred into years, and she built a wall around herself, shutting out everything beyond its reach. And then Grayson appeared. He fell in love with her at first sight and started chasing after her with reckless determination. But she had seen these kinds of games before. She avoided him at every turn. He confessed his love ninety-nine times. She rejected him ninety-nine times. Then came the earthquake. Without hesitation, he shielded her with his own body, holding her close as debris rained down. A steel rod pierced through his shoulder blade, yet even in that moment, he never let go of her. When he woke up in the hospital, still weak and pale, the first thing he did was lift his hands and sign, "As long as you're safe." That was when she found out—he had spent three months learning sign language, just so he could communicate with her properly. The wall around her heart cracked, just a little. The scar from that injury never fully faded. A small, circular mark, dark brown against his skin, a permanent reminder of that day. Whenever she looked at it, her heart would tremble. For five years, he had been unwavering in his love. He had made her believe in it. Even when his family opposed their relationship, even when the pressure mounted, he stood by her side and proposed. She wanted to hear his voice say, "I do," at the wedding. She didn't want to put him in a difficult position, caught between his family and her. So she took a gamble, risked everything, and left for surgery overseas, knowing there was a chance she might never wake up. Fate, it seemed, had been kind. The surgery was a success. She had planned to surprise him at the wedding, keeping her restored hearing a secret until that moment. She had imagined it over and over—his astonishment, his joy when he discovered she could hear again. But fate had a strange sense of humor. The very day she returned, she overheard a phone call. Grayson was speaking in a low, intimate voice to his assistant. Flirting, laughing, weaving words meant for a lover. That was when she learned the truth. He had been with his assistant for a year. An entire year. And she had known nothing. The pain in her chest was unbearable. She crouched down on the pavement, arms wrapped tightly around herself, as if she could hold herself together. Inside the private room, Grayson had said that even on the brink of marriage, he had no intention of ending that affair. Was it because he thought she would never hear him? That he could keep lying to her forever? The winter night's wind cut through her like a knife, clearing her thoughts. Her fingers curled into fists. She would prove to Grayson that lies never lasted forever. And she would never tolerate deception. Chapter 3 Violet took a deep breath, pressing down the dull ache in her chest. Just as she was about to leave, a pair of strong hands held her in place. "Violet, why didn't you wait for me? Are you feeling down today?" He signed. "How about I take you to try on the wedding dress? The custom-made one has arrived. Let's see if you like it. If not, I'll have them alter it." He wrapped her in his arms, his fingers ruffling her hair with indulgent affection. "I don't want to go," she signed. "You can decide on the dress." She would be gone by the wedding day. She wouldn't be there to wear the gown, so what did it matter what it looked like? Perhaps Grayson sensed her indifference. He hesitated before signing cautiously, "Violet, why do I feel like you're not excited about our wedding at all? Do you... not want to marry me?" His eyes held a flicker of panic. Violet met his gaze and, for a moment, wanted to tell him the truth. 'Yes, I don't want to marry you. 'It was you who betrayed me first. You trampled our love into the dirt. You are the one who made me lose all hope in this marriage. 'So what right do you have to ask me now?' But she had no intention of revealing everything just yet. At the bridal boutique, the moment they stepped inside, the staff pulled back a curtain, revealing the wedding dress that had been prepared in advance. "Miss Hudson, the custom gown Mr. Warhol ordered for you from France has arrived. Please let us know if any adjustments are needed." Before the words had even fully landed, a translator stepped forward and swiftly signed them in Violet's direction. The employees exchanged glances, their voices lowered in admiration. "Mr. Warhol is incredibly attentive. He even hired a sign language interpreter just for her. "And not just that. Look at this dress—the main diamond was personally acquired by Mr. Warhol at a Sotheby's auction. He specifically instructed the designer to set it in the gown. "He even paid an exorbitant price to secure the designer's exclusive service for the entire year, ensuring they worked on nothing but this one dress." Their awe-filled murmurs made Grayson smile. He pulled Violet close, his arm around her waist. "Take a look at it. Do you like it?" At the center of the dress was a pink diamond, large as a dove's egg. The train stretched a full five meters, shimmering under the lights with countless embedded diamonds, dazzling as a galaxy scattered at her feet. Violet reached out, tracing the fabric lightly. She couldn't deny it. This gown was exactly to her taste. When they were in love, she had often mentioned her fondness for pink, her love for trailing wedding dresses. He had remembered every word, committing them to heart, turning them into reality. But no matter how exquisite the dress, no matter how brilliant the diamonds, none of it could mend the fracture in her heart. "Violet, look closely at the center of the diamond," Grayson signed. "It's engraved with 'V&G Forever.' A diamond lasts forever. And so will my love for you. I had our initials carved into it to symbolize my eternal devotion." Instinctively, Violet looked down. In the very heart of the stone, there it was—tiny yet unmistakable, those delicate letters. She turned to face Grayson, his eyes brimming with love. Her heart trembled as she asked, "Will your love for me truly last forever?" Fearful she might misunderstand him, he rushed to respond, hands moving in hurried gestures. "I will love you forever, Violet. In this life, and in every life to come. If I break this vow, may the heavens strike me down." Such deep, earnest words. And yet, they could not warm a heart already turned to ice. He had already broken that vow. And now he stood before her, putting on a show. Wasn't he exhausted? Violet turned away, unwilling to look at his false sincerity. He looked as if he wanted to say more, but just then, his phone rang. His expression flickered. Without hesitation, he strode to the side, away from prying eyes, and picked up the call. When he returned, there was a trace of apology in his gaze. "Violet, something urgent came up at the company. I need to go back. You try on the dress, and let the staff know if any alterations are needed. I'll have the driver take you home after." He signed the words quickly, then turned and left in a rush. Unlike before, he didn't even have time to give her a hug. The moment he was gone, the staff broke into excited whispers. "Oh my god, that was the most romantic confession I've ever heard. I almost cried. "Even when he's in a hurry, he still takes care to make sure Miss Hudson is comfortable. What a perfect man." Violet found it laughable. Grayson had never left her behind because of work. Not once. And after that call, there had been something else in his eyes—desire. How could this possibly be about work? Most likely, he was rushing off to see his little mistress, Ruby Lockwood. The corner of her lips curled slightly in irony as she turned to leave. A staff member hurriedly stepped forward to stop her. "Miss Hudson, you haven't tried on the dress yet." Violet shook her head calmly. "No need." After all, on the wedding day, the bride would be nothing more than a corpse. There would be no use for a wedding dress. Chapter 4 The moment Violet stepped into her home, her phone chimed. Violet unlocked the screen. It was a photo. In the image, Grayson stood shirtless, his back facing the camera. Ruby, in a strapless mermaid wedding gown, had the long hem of her dress hitched up to her waist. Her pale legs wrapped tightly around his strong torso. The pose left nothing to the imagination. Another notification followed. A video. On the screen, Ruby clung to Grayson's neck, her voice breathless, tinged with laughter. "Grayson, how could you tear my wedding dress... I just got it today." Grayson chuckled, his voice low as he leaned into her ear. "Didn't you want the dress just to show it to me?" His fingers traced the fabric. "I even got the same designer as Violet's to make one for you. Shouldn't you return the favor?" Ruby gasped. The video ended abruptly. But that wasn't enough. Another message followed. [Oh dear, I almost forgot you're deaf. Such a shame! Next time, I'll make sure to add subtitles. *wink*] Violet's fingers clenched around her phone, the joints turning white. Tears slipped silently down her face, hitting the floor one after another. She never knew a heart could be split so cleanly in two. Two wedding gowns, designed for two women. 'Grayson, is this the love you spoke of?' She didn't want it. She couldn't bear it. Suppressing the pain in her chest, she lifted a hand to wipe her tears. Her engagement ring caught the light. For a long moment, she stared at it. Then, she pulled it off and tossed it into the trash. Grayson had once visited a jeweler to learn the craft himself. He designed it, hammered it into shape, oversaw every detail. He had said a ring only held meaning if he made it himself. That way, whenever she touched it, she would feel his love. But now, that love had rotted. The ring was worthless. … Deep into the night, Grayson returned. Violet felt the bed sink beside her. A faint mix of cologne and the smell after the intimacy filled the space between them. The images from the video surfaced in her mind, twisting her stomach into knots. She bolted upright and ran to the bathroom, retching. Grayson rushed after her, panic-stricken. "Violet, do you have food poisoning? I'll call the doctor!" She grabbed his wrist, eyes red. "I'm fine. Just... recalled seeing some disgusting photos and videos." He knelt, rubbing her back, his gaze filled with concern. "Don't look at those things again," he signed. "It hurts me to see you suffer." Afraid she wouldn't understand, he took her hand and pressed it against his chest. Beneath her palm, his heart pounded fast and strong. She instinctively glanced down—then froze. His collar was slightly open. A few deep-red marks stood out against his skin. Her stomach twisted violently. How could he sit here, full of concern, while carrying another woman's traces on his body? How could he pretend nothing had happened? Grayson tensed at her reaction. "Who sent you those things? Tell me, Violet. I'll make them pay." Violet let out a bitter laugh. 'Grayson, the person who did this to me... is you.' She didn't want to see his face anymore. "I want to sleep alone tonight," she signed. Then, she pushed him out and locked the door behind him. He knocked, his voice anxious. "Violet, open the door. Let's talk." She climbed into bed, pulling the blanket over her head. The echoes of his voice in the video looped in her mind. He had once promised her the kind of love no one else could have. She had believed he was her salvation. But in the end, he was the one pushing her down into abyss. A tear slipped from the corner of her eye. If she could turn back time, she would rather never have met Grayson. … The next morning, Violet opened the door to find Grayson standing there, looking almost... pitiful. "Violet, why did you kick me out? Is it because I left you at the bridal shop yesterday? I really had an emergency. Don't be mad, okay?" An emergency? Yes, rushing to bed with Ruby must have felt urgent. She didn't call out his lie. In eight days, she would be gone. He would know then that she had already seen through everything. She shook her head. "I'm not mad. Work is important. I understand." Her calm response made something tighten in his chest. He immediately shook his head. "No! You're the most important, Violet. I'll never leave you alone again." He signed the words carefully, then pulled her into his arms, holding her as if he could press her into his bones, make her a part of himself. She said nothing. The future he spoke of— It no longer existed. Chapter 5 Perhaps it was guilt gnawing at Grayson. For the next few days, he stayed by her side, handling work from home while also going over the final details of the wedding. Then came the business banquet he couldn't avoid attending. He insisted that Violet accompany him. Before she had a chance to refuse, he had already arranged for a stylist to come over. At the banquet, she realized Ruby was there too. Dressed in a tight V-neck gown that left little to the imagination, Ruby approached them with a practiced smile. "Mr. Warhol. Miss Hudson." Violet met her gaze. Calm and poised, there was no trace of the woman who had provoked her the night before. It was as if she had transformed into someone else entirely. Quite the actress, just like Grayson. A moment ago, she had clearly seen his expression shift the moment he laid eyes on Ruby. His gaze darkened, his Adam's apple moved slightly, but he still held her hand, maintaining his cold and distant facade as he gave Ruby a mere nod. The moment Grayson appeared, guests flocked to him, glasses in hand, eager for conversation. Some of the wealthy wives tried to engage Violet, but she continued to play the role of someone hard of hearing, letting their words fade into the background. Grayson smiled as he offered explanations, worried she might grow bored. He personally selected the pastries she liked, placed a glass of juice beside her, drawing admiration from those around them. "Mr. Warhol really is the perfect man." "I've heard how much he dotes on his fiancée, and seeing it in person, I can't deny it." Violet lowered her eyes, her long lashes casting a shadow over the mockery hidden within them. As the chatter continued, Grayson's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting slightly before he spoke apologetically. "Excuse me, I have some work to handle." Then, turning to her, he signed in fluid motions, "Violet, wait here for me. I'll be back soon." She instinctively scanned the room. Ruby was gone too. Moments later, her phone vibrated. A message from Ruby. It was a screenshot of a chat. In the image, Ruby had sent a photo—her bare back exposed, the zipper at the bottom of her dress left teasingly undone. Beneath it, a message: [Mr. Warhol, my zipper won't go up. Can you help me?] Grayson's forwarded response was brief: [Location?] Then came another message: [He couldn't even wait until he got to the restroom. People were walking by outside. The thrill of it all—he took me twice. My legs can barely hold me up. That's something you'll never be able to give him.] [Oh, and we didn't use protection. We've lost count of how many times we haven't. He said that if I get pregnant, I should keep the baby. Who knows, maybe I already have his baby growing inside me.] Violet closed her eyes and pressed a hand against her chest, trying to dull the ache. He really couldn't even wait a few hours? Her phone vibrated again. She assumed it was another of Ruby's taunts, but when she looked, it was a message from the agency handling her fake death. "Miss Hudson, your new identity is ready. We've booked your flight to the UK for five days from now, departing at 6 p.m. We need you to confirm if you're proceeding with the plan." She turned on her camera and recorded a short video of herself. "I confirm the departure." Just as she was done, a panicked voice sounded behind her. "What do you mean, leaving? Are you leaving, Violet?" Chapter 6 Instinctively, Violet wanted to turn around, but she remembered that her "hearing impairment" had yet to recover. She forced herself to stay still. Grayson rushed to her side, his eyes filled with panic. "Violet, are you leaving me? We're about to get married—where would you go?" When she gave no response, he suddenly realized and hurriedly repeated his words in sign language. Violet's expression remained calm. "A friend of mine is leaving." He studied her face carefully, searching for any sign of deception. Only when he was sure she wasn't lying did he let out a breath of relief. "That's a relief. Violet, you don't know how terrified I just was. I can't even imagine how I'd live if you ever left me." He pulled her into his arms, holding her tight, his face still etched with fear. Hearing his heartfelt words, Violet felt nothing. If he was so afraid of losing her, why had he betrayed her? Was it because he believed she couldn't hear, so he had nothing to fear? Too bad for him—he was about to be disappointed. The lingering fear in Grayson's heart had yet to fade. He tightened his grip around her waist, ready to leave. "Violet, let's go home. I won't let you out of my sight for even a second." "Oh? And what about your assistant?" she asked. "She wasn't feeling well, so she left early." His lie came so effortlessly that it was almost laughable. Just as they reached the parking lot, Violet saw Ruby struggling against a man's grip. The man held her wrist tightly, refusing to let her go. His other hand was already reaching for her waist when she suddenly broke free and slapped him hard across the face. The man's expression twisted with anger. He grabbed a beer bottle from the ground and swung it at her. In that split second, Violet felt the arm around her waist suddenly loosen. Grayson bolted forward, shielding Ruby in his embrace. The bottle shattered against his shoulder. Sharp glass cut through fabric and flesh, and blood quickly soaked his shirt. His face turned terrifyingly dark. He checked Ruby for injuries, and when he confirmed she was unharmed, he grabbed the man by the collar and landed a fierce punch squarely on his face. "Who gave you the guts to touch one of mine? Do you have a death wish?" The man recognized Grayson instantly and was so terrified that he begged for mercy, not even daring to resist. A shard of glass had cut Violet's cheek, leaving a thin trail of blood, but she remained motionless. She simply stood there, watching the man in front of her unleash his fury. The scene overlapped with a memory from five years ago. Back then, she had just started dating Grayson. It was their first time attending a business event together. At the time, his reputation as a devoted lover had yet to be established. When people learned about her hearing impairment, she had clearly seen the scorn and amusement in their eyes. After Grayson was pulled aside for business discussions, several men had surrounded her. They thought she was nothing more than a passing plaything. Even though she couldn't hear their words, she could read the mockery and lechery on their faces. She wanted to call for help but was afraid of causing trouble for Grayson. She tried to warn them off again and again, only to be met with even deeper ridicule. Just as one man reached out to touch her face, Grayson appeared out of nowhere and kicked him several feet away. His eyes burned red with rage as he pinned the man down and beat him mercilessly. Later, he ordered his secretary to cut all ties with them and blacklist them from the industry. From that moment on, everyone knew that Violet was untouchable. No one dared to lay a finger on her. Now, the scene replayed before her eyes—but this time, the woman in his arms was no longer her. Chapter 7 On the way to the hospital, Grayson finally noticed the blood trickling down Violet's cheek. Until now, he had been too busy comforting Ruby after the earlier fight to pay attention. Once they arrived, he ignored his own bleeding shoulder and insisted the doctor treat her first. "Our wedding is coming up," he said. "My Violet can't have a single scar on her face." Then, turning to her, guilt filling his eyes, he signed, "I'm sorry. This was all my fault. I only stepped in because Ruby is my subordinate. Please don't be mad at me, alright?" Violet said nothing. Instead, she told the doctor to ignore her wound and focus on treating Grayson's shoulder. It didn't matter. She wouldn't be at the wedding anyway. Whether or not she had a scar was meaningless. Grayson mistook her indifference for concern and looked at her, touched. The doctor cut away his blood-soaked shirt, exposing the deep gash beneath. Only then did Violet notice the wound overlapped perfectly with an old scar—a circular mark left by a steel rod that had pierced him during the earthquake five years ago. Now, that past injury was gone, erased by fresh pain. For a brief moment, she felt dazed. Perhaps this was fate's way of telling her that their love was truly a thing of the past. As they left the hospital, Ruby hugged herself, her voice trembling as she looked at Grayson. "Grayson, can I stay at your place tonight?" Grayson rarely saw Ruby this vulnerable, and something in him softened. He hesitated, glancing at Violet before cautiously signing to her, "Violet, Ruby is shaken up. Can she stay with us for the night?" As if afraid she would misunderstand, he quickly added, "I don't mean anything by it. As her boss, I have a responsibility to take care of my employees." Violet's fingers curled into her palm, nails digging into her skin. Was he really asking for permission to bring another woman into their home? Then, she laughed at herself. What did it matter? Sooner or later, Ruby would move in after she left. There was no need to argue over something inevitable. "Do as you like." Perhaps because she was there, Grayson kept his distance from Ruby the entire drive home. Even when Ruby tried to start a conversation, he silenced her with a glance. Violet closed her eyes and leaned against the window, unwilling to watch their little performance. When they arrived, Grayson ignored Ruby's expectant gaze and arranged for her to stay in the guest room on the second floor. Back in their bedroom, he brought out iodine and bandages, gently tending to Violet's wound. "Violet, I know you care about me," he signed. "But how could you refuse the doctor's treatment? If this leaves a scar, I'll feel terrible." After dressing her wound, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead. "I won't let you get hurt again. Today, I acted on impulse when I saw my employee being harassed. I didn't think. After all, someone attacking my employees is the same as trampling on my pride. How could I let that slide? You understand, don't you, Violet?" If Violet hadn't known the truth about him and Ruby—if she hadn't caught the flicker of possessiveness and rage in his eyes—she might have believed him. But she said nothing, only signed that she was tired and wanted to rest. Grayson, as if following a routine, brought her a glass of warm milk and gently patted her back to lull her to sleep. Deep in the night, a thunderclap jolted Violet awake. Half-asleep, she instinctively reached out for the warmth beside her, only to grasp empty sheets. The chill against her fingertips cleared her mind in an instant. She got up and left the room. The moment she reached the second-floor landing, she heard a woman's soft gasps. Her steps faltered, the bitter taste of realization settling in her throat. She moved forward, one slow step at a time, until she reached the guest room door. It was wide open. Under the soft glow of the bedside lamp, two naked bodies entwined, their movements intimate and unrestrained. Chapter 8 Ruby wrapped her arms around Grayson's neck, her face flushed, and her breath coming in uneven gasps. "Grayson, no… I can't…" He buried his face against her chest, his voice hoarse. "That man touched you today. I need to mark every inch of you as mine. Until I say it's over, you won't be resting tonight." Ruby arched her head back, panting. "What if Miss Hudson sees us—" Before she could finish, Grayson froze, his expression turning cold. "She's deaf. She won't find out. You are not to mention this in front of her." Ruby pouted, trailing lazy circles over his chest with her fingertips. "I know… It's just… thinking about how she's about to become your wife, while I'll always be hidden in the shadows… it hurts." His resolve wavered for a moment. Pinching her cheek, he sighed. "You little jealous thing. I brought you into my home, isn't that enough? "Don't worry. I won't leave you even after the marriage. Whatever I buy for Violet, you will have, too." She finally smiled, her eyes gleaming. "Then I want you to stay with me until the wedding." He hesitated for two seconds, then, seeing the longing in her gaze, nodded. "Alright." Her smile widened as she leaned in, lips brushing against his ear. "And right now, I want you." His eyes darkened. Gripping her waist, he pulled her closer, and their bodies intertwined once more. Outside, a flash of lightning illuminated the doorway, casting a pale glow over Violet's stricken face. She pressed a trembling hand over her mouth, forcing herself not to make a sound. Her vision blurred with tears. She had already seen Ruby's taunting video, but nothing compared to witnessing it firsthand. Every gasp, every whisper, every murmur of pleasure drove a fresh blade into her heart, slicing it open, leaving nothing but raw, exposed wounds. The sounds from within the room grew louder. She couldn't take it anymore. Turning swiftly, she fled. Back in her bedroom, she curled up on the bed, hugging herself tightly, but no warmth reached her. The echoes of their passion rang in her ears, relentless. She pressed her hands over them, but it was useless. Barefoot, she stumbled downstairs and ran into the rain. The storm poured over her, drenching her to the bone. Yet the cold paled in comparison to the weight in her chest. Behind her, the villa loomed like a gaping mouth, waiting to consume her. She had to escape. As far as possible. She wandered aimlessly through the empty streets, her soaked clothes clinging to her skin, rain blurring her vision. And then, for a moment, the rain seemed to stop. Looking up, she thought she saw Grayson from years ago, standing under an umbrella. His eyes held an unbearable sorrow. "Violet," he said, "leave him. Leave the version of me that no longer loves you. Never forgive him." Tears filled her eyes as she looked at the man she had once loved. 'Alright,' she thought. 'I will leave. I will never forgive him.' She wandered the streets until the first hints of dawn broke through the storm. By the time she returned home, exhaustion had dulled the pain. She peeled off her wet clothes and collapsed onto the bed. Moments later, Grayson entered the room, moving carefully as if not to wake her. As always, he tucked the blanket around her and pulled her gently into his arms. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he whispered, "Violet, I love you so much. In three days, you'll be my wife. We'll be together for the rest of our lives." He spoke as if the words were a vow. As if saying them would make them true. He never noticed the single tear slipping from the corner of her eye. She had once read a quote: A man's sudden tenderness is often nothing more than guilt after betrayal. Back then, she hadn't understood what it meant. Now, she did. She only wished time would move faster, so the day she left him would come sooner. Chapter 9 When Violet woke up, Grayson and Ruby were already downstairs, eating breakfast. Seeing her come down, Grayson quickly pulled out a chair for her and handed her a bowl of porridge that had already cooled to room temperature. He watched as she ate in silence, her expression unreadable. A trace of guilt flickered across his face. "Violet, something urgent came up at the company, and I need to go on a business trip," he signed. "For the next few days, you can discuss the wedding plans with the planner. I'll finish my work as soon as possible and come back quickly. After the wedding, I promise to spend a whole week with you. Anywhere you want to go for our honeymoon, I'll be right there with you." Violet had already learned last night that this trip had nothing to do with work. He was leaving to appease Ruby. But his whereabouts no longer concerned her. She merely nodded. Just before Grayson stepped out the door, she called out to him one last time. "Grayson." He paused for a moment, then turned back with a playful smile, ruffling her hair. "Violet, are you reluctant to see me go? It's just a few days. Soon, we'll be married, and you'll see me every single day." Ruby's voice rang out from outside. Grayson pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before hurrying away. Violet watched his departing figure. That was probably the last time she would ever see him. Not long after Grayson and Ruby left, a message arrived on Violet's phone. It was from Ruby. [Miss Hudson, you saw everything last night, didn't you? I must say, I didn't expect you to endure it so well.] [Grayson promised to stay with me for the next few days. You know, your fiancé, spending time with another woman right before the wedding… You're truly the most pitiful bride in the world.] [Oh, and we're buying a new house today. Grayson said it'll be our home from now on. You're welcome to come visit anytime.] Violet didn't reply. Instead, she instructed the servants to gather all her belongings from the villa, including every photo of her and Grayson. The items were stacked in the backyard. One of the maids hesitated, holding up a framed wedding photo. "Miss Hudson, should we take this out as well?" Violet's gaze drifted to the large wedding portrait hanging in the center of the living room. In the photo, she was looking at the camera, while Grayson's eyes were fixed on her, overflowing with what seemed like love. Looking at it now, the scene felt nothing but ironic. She nodded. When every last photo and object was piled up outside, she lit a match. She stood there, unmoving, as five years of memories burned to ash before her eyes. As the final fragment crumbled, so did the last remnants of her feelings. There were still two days left before she would leave. Another message from Ruby arrived—a photo of a medical report. [Oh my, I'm actually pregnant! It's Grayson's first child, and he's thrilled. He even said he'd allocate some shares to the baby.] [But last night, he was a little too rough, and I bled a bit. The doctor says I need bed rest. Grayson was so worried—he personally made soup and fed it to me. I feel so blessed. Miss Hudson, I'm sure you're happy for me, right?] Violet still didn't reply. Instead, she retrieved her wedding dress from the bridal shop and took a pair of scissors to it, cutting it apart piece by piece. A dress meant for her wedding no longer had any meaning. On the day of her departure, Ruby sent another message—this time, a photo of a large diamond ring on her hand. [Grayson proposed! He promised me a wedding just as grand as yours, and that he'd never let me or the baby suffer.] [Miss Hudson, be smart about this. Give up your position as Mrs. Warhol. Grayson doesn't love you anymore.] This time, Violet replied. [I hope your dream comes true soon.] Then, she pulled up the security footage from the villa. Grayson and Ruby had come here many times before, indulging themselves recklessly. Inevitably, there were moments captured by the cameras in the living room. She copied the footage and sent it to the wedding planner with a text message: [This is a surprise I'm preparing for Grayson. Make sure it plays on the big screen during the wedding. Keep it a secret.] The planner quickly agreed. After finalizing the arrangements, Violet received a video call from Grayson. He looked a little apologetic. "Violet, work isn't finished yet. I won't be back until tomorrow morning. But don't worry, I'll definitely be there before the wedding." She let out a soft laugh. "Alright. I have a surprise for you at the wedding." Grayson's eyes lit up. "What surprise? Now I'm really curious. Violet, I've waited five years for this moment. Tomorrow, you'll finally be my wife. I can't tell you how happy I am—" His words cut off abruptly. His body tensed, and a muffled gasp escaped his lips. Violet's eyes gleamed with cold amusement. "Grayson, I hope you like my surprise." Before he could respond, she ended the call and walked out of the villa. A car from the agency handling her fake death was already waiting at the entrance. At the airport, she tapped a few commands into her phone before handing it to the staff. "Deliver this phone to the groom along with the corpse tomorrow. Tell him I died at 6 p.m., and that I left a final message for him." 6 p.m.—the exact moment she had ended their last call. She wanted Grayson to believe that while he was indulging in pleasure with Ruby, she had lost all hope and taken her own life. She wanted those last words to haunt him forever. The staff member nodded and handed her a new identity card and a plane ticket. "Miss Aurora, we've erased all traces of your journey. Have a safe flight. May your future be filled with happiness." Aurora—that was the name she had chosen for herself. It meant new beginnings. From today onward, she was stepping into an entirely new life.